Cooking Measurement Converter: Convert Cups, Grams & Temperature
A cooking measurement converter is an essential kitchen tool that accurately converts between different measurement systems including volume (cups, tablespoons, teaspoons, milliliters, fluid ounces), weight (grams, ounces, pounds, kilograms), and temperature (Fahrenheit, Celsius, Kelvin) for precise recipe execution. By converting measurements between imperial, metric, and traditional cooking units, this calculator helps home cooks, bakers, and professional chefs adapt international recipes, scale portions, ensure baking accuracy, and achieve consistent results regardless of measurement system used in recipes from different countries and cooking traditions.
🍳 Interactive Cooking Measurement Converter
Convert volume, weight, and temperature measurements
Volume Measurement Converter
Convert cups, tablespoons, teaspoons, milliliters, and fluid ounces
Weight Measurement Converter
Convert grams, ounces, pounds, and kilograms
Temperature Converter
Convert Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin
Volume Conversion Formulas
Volume conversions are essential for liquid and dry ingredients in cooking. Understanding the relationships between measurement units ensures recipe accuracy.
Common Volume Relationships
Basic Volume Conversions:
\[ 1 \text{ cup} = 16 \text{ tablespoons} = 48 \text{ teaspoons} = 236.588 \text{ ml} \]
\[ 1 \text{ tablespoon} = 3 \text{ teaspoons} = 14.787 \text{ ml} \]
\[ 1 \text{ fluid ounce} = 2 \text{ tablespoons} = 29.574 \text{ ml} \]
\[ 1 \text{ liter} = 1000 \text{ ml} = 4.227 \text{ cups} \]
Teaspoon to Tablespoon Conversion
Teaspoon ↔ Tablespoon:
\[ \text{Tablespoons} = \frac{\text{Teaspoons}}{3} \]
\[ \text{Teaspoons} = \text{Tablespoons} \times 3 \]
Cup to Milliliter Conversion
Cup ↔ Milliliter:
\[ \text{Milliliters} = \text{Cups} \times 236.588 \]
\[ \text{Cups} = \frac{\text{Milliliters}}{236.588} \]
Approximation: 1 cup ≈ 240 ml for easy calculation
Weight Conversion Formulas
Gram to Ounce Conversion
Gram ↔ Ounce:
\[ \text{Ounces} = \frac{\text{Grams}}{28.3495} \]
\[ \text{Grams} = \text{Ounces} \times 28.3495 \]
Common approximation: 1 oz ≈ 28 grams
Pound to Kilogram Conversion
Pound ↔ Kilogram:
\[ \text{Kilograms} = \text{Pounds} \times 0.453592 \]
\[ \text{Pounds} = \frac{\text{Kilograms}}{0.453592} \]
Common approximation: 1 lb ≈ 454 grams or 0.45 kg
Temperature Conversion Formulas
Fahrenheit to Celsius
Fahrenheit → Celsius:
\[ °C = \frac{(°F - 32) \times 5}{9} \]
Example: 350°F to Celsius:
\[ °C = \frac{(350 - 32) \times 5}{9} = \frac{318 \times 5}{9} = 176.67°C \]
Celsius to Fahrenheit
Celsius → Fahrenheit:
\[ °F = (°C \times \frac{9}{5}) + 32 \]
Example: 180°C to Fahrenheit:
\[ °F = (180 \times \frac{9}{5}) + 32 = 324 + 32 = 356°F \]
Kelvin Conversions
Celsius ↔ Kelvin:
\[ K = °C + 273.15 \]
\[ °C = K - 273.15 \]
Fahrenheit ↔ Kelvin:
\[ K = \frac{(°F - 32) \times 5}{9} + 273.15 \]
Common Volume Conversion Table
| From | To | Multiply By |
|---|---|---|
| Cup | Tablespoon | 16 |
| Cup | Teaspoon | 48 |
| Cup | Milliliter | 236.588 |
| Cup | Fluid Ounce | 8 |
| Tablespoon | Teaspoon | 3 |
| Tablespoon | Milliliter | 14.787 |
| Teaspoon | Milliliter | 4.929 |
| Liter | Cup | 4.227 |
| Fluid Ounce | Milliliter | 29.574 |
Common Weight Conversion Table
| From | To | Multiply By |
|---|---|---|
| Gram | Ounce | 0.035274 |
| Ounce | Gram | 28.3495 |
| Pound | Gram | 453.592 |
| Pound | Kilogram | 0.453592 |
| Kilogram | Pound | 2.20462 |
| Kilogram | Gram | 1000 |
Common Oven Temperature Conversions
| Fahrenheit (°F) | Celsius (°C) | Gas Mark | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250°F | 120°C | ½ | Very Low |
| 275°F | 135°C | 1 | Low/Slow |
| 300°F | 150°C | 2 | Low |
| 325°F | 165°C | 3 | Moderate Low |
| 350°F | 175-180°C | 4 | Moderate (Most Common) |
| 375°F | 190°C | 5 | Moderate Hot |
| 400°F | 200°C | 6 | Hot |
| 425°F | 220°C | 7 | Hot |
| 450°F | 230°C | 8 | Very Hot |
| 475°F | 245°C | 9 | Very Hot |
Ingredient-Specific Weight Conversions
All-Purpose Flour
1 cup all-purpose flour =
- 125 grams (sifted)
- 140 grams (spooned and leveled)
- 4.4 ounces
Granulated Sugar
1 cup granulated sugar =
- 200 grams
- 7 ounces
Butter
1 cup butter =
- 227 grams
- 8 ounces
- 2 sticks (US)
- 16 tablespoons
Brown Sugar (Packed)
1 cup brown sugar (packed) =
- 220 grams
- 7.75 ounces
Quick Reference: Common Baking Conversions
| Ingredient | 1 Cup | Grams | Ounces |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 cup | 125-140g | 4.4-5 oz |
| Bread Flour | 1 cup | 130g | 4.6 oz |
| Cake Flour | 1 cup | 115g | 4 oz |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup | 200g | 7 oz |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 cup | 120g | 4.2 oz |
| Brown Sugar (packed) | 1 cup | 220g | 7.75 oz |
| Butter | 1 cup | 227g | 8 oz |
| Honey | 1 cup | 340g | 12 oz |
| Milk | 1 cup | 245g | 8.6 oz |
Kitchen Measurement Tips
Accurate Measuring Techniques:
- Dry ingredients: Spoon into measuring cup, level off with straight edge
- Flour: Never pack flour—spoon and level for accuracy
- Brown sugar: Pack firmly into cup unless recipe specifies otherwise
- Liquids: Use liquid measuring cup on flat surface, check at eye level
- Butter: Use markings on wrapper or measure by tablespoon
- Sticky ingredients: Spray measuring cup with oil for easy release
- Small amounts: Use measuring spoons, not regular spoons
- Digital scale: Most accurate for baking—weigh in grams
International Measurement Systems
US vs. UK Measurements
⚠️ Important Differences
- Cups: US cup (236.588 ml) ≠ UK cup (284 ml)
- Fluid ounces: US fl oz (29.574 ml) ≠ UK fl oz (28.413 ml)
- Pints: US pint (473 ml) ≠ UK pint (568 ml)
- Tablespoons: Most recipes assume US tablespoon (14.787 ml)
- Recipe origin: Always check if recipe uses US or UK measurements
Metric System Advantages
- Precision: Weight measurements (grams) more accurate than volume
- Consistency: Less variation due to packing or air pockets
- Professional standard: Most professional bakeries use weight
- Easy scaling: Simpler to double or halve recipes
- Digital scales: Inexpensive and precise to 1 gram
Common Conversion Mistakes
❌ Avoid These Errors
- Volume vs. weight: 1 cup flour ≠ 1 cup sugar in weight
- Packing flour: Scooping compacts flour, adding 20-30% more
- Rounded measurements: Using 1 cup = 250ml instead of 236.588ml adds up
- Confusing tablespoon and teaspoon: 1 tbsp = 3 tsp, not vice versa
- Oven temperature: Forgetting to convert F to C can ruin baking
- Liquid vs. dry measures: Different cup types affect accuracy
- US vs. UK cups: Using wrong cup size throws off ratios
- Approximations in baking: Precision matters for cakes and bread
Recipe Scaling Guide
Doubling Recipes
- Most ingredients: Simply multiply by 2
- Spices and salt: Start with 1.5× and adjust to taste
- Leavening agents: Usually safe to double (baking powder, baking soda)
- Yeast: Can use slightly less than double (1.75×)
- Baking time: May increase 25-50%, check doneness early
- Pan size: Use larger pan or multiple pans
Halving Recipes
- Most ingredients: Divide by 2
- Eggs: Use 1 egg + 1 tablespoon for half of 1 egg
- Baking time: Reduce by 25-33%, monitor closely
- Pan size: Use smaller pan to maintain depth
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tablespoons are in a cup?
One cup equals 16 tablespoons. To convert: tablespoons = cups × 16. Example: ½ cup = 8 tablespoons, ¼ cup = 4 tablespoons, ⅓ cup = 5.33 tablespoons. Remember: 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons, so 1 cup = 48 teaspoons. This conversion is consistent for US measurements regardless of ingredient.
How do I convert cups to grams?
Cups to grams conversion depends on ingredient density. All-purpose flour: 1 cup ≈ 125-140g (sifted vs. packed). Granulated sugar: 1 cup = 200g. Butter: 1 cup = 227g. Water/milk: 1 cup ≈ 240g. For accuracy, use a digital kitchen scale and weigh ingredients directly. Volume measurements vary; weight is consistent.
What temperature is 180 Celsius in Fahrenheit?
180°C equals 356°F. Formula: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32 = (180 × 1.8) + 32 = 324 + 32 = 356°F. For quick estimation: 180°C ≈ 350-360°F. Common oven setting conversions: 180°C = 356°F, 200°C = 392°F (≈400°F), 220°C = 428°F (≈425°F). Always convert when using international recipes.
How many grams in an ounce?
One ounce (oz) equals 28.3495 grams. For cooking: 1 oz ≈ 28 grams (simplified). Reverse: 1 gram = 0.035274 ounces. Common conversions: 4 oz = 113g, 8 oz (½ lb) = 227g, 16 oz (1 lb) = 454g. Kitchen scales often show both units. Weight is more precise than volume for baking ingredients.
What's the difference between teaspoon and tablespoon?
One tablespoon (tbsp) equals 3 teaspoons (tsp). Tablespoon is larger: 1 tbsp = 14.787 ml, 1 tsp = 4.929 ml. Confusing these is a common mistake that ruins recipes. Abbreviations: capital T or tbsp = tablespoon, lowercase t or tsp = teaspoon. Always use proper measuring spoons, not regular cutlery spoons.
Why do baking recipes need exact measurements?
Baking is chemistry requiring precise ratios of flour, liquid, fat, and leavening. Too much flour = dry, dense result. Too little = collapsed structure. Incorrect leavening = poor rise. Volume measurements vary by packing; weight (grams) is most accurate. Use digital scale for consistent results. Professional bakers always weigh ingredients for repeatability and quality control.
Key Takeaways
Mastering cooking measurement conversions ensures recipe accuracy across different measurement systems, ingredient types, and international cuisines. Understanding volume, weight, and temperature relationships enables precise cooking and baking success.
Essential conversions to remember:
- 1 cup = 16 tablespoons = 48 teaspoons = 236.588 ml
- 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons = 14.787 ml
- 1 ounce = 28.3495 grams (approx. 28g)
- 1 pound = 453.592 grams or 0.454 kg
- °F to °C: (°F - 32) × 5/9
- °C to °F: (°C × 9/5) + 32
- 1 cup flour ≈ 125-140g depending on packing
- 1 cup sugar = 200g
- 1 cup butter = 227g = 2 sticks (US)
- Weight measurements more accurate than volume for baking
Getting Started: Use the interactive cooking measurement converter at the top of this page to convert between volume units (cups, tablespoons, milliliters), weight units (grams, ounces, pounds), and temperature scales (Fahrenheit, Celsius, Kelvin). Select your conversion type, enter the amount and units, and receive instant accurate conversions for precise recipe execution.